He said: “It is clear Ms Ward was very troubled mentally at the time she took her son’s life. It is also clear her son’s father has adopted a most charitable approach in this matter.

“It seems appropriate that the matter be dealt with in a non-custodial method. I propose a sentence of seven years suspended for their entirety with certain conditions attached.”

Mr Justice White asked that Ms Ward attend Carrigmore as a voluntary patient and that she accept such regime as is determined by Dr Martin Lawlor until such time as it is considered appropriate that she be returned to the community.